NPP thugs who invaded UTV convicted; fined GH¢2,400 each by Achimota Court

Sixteen individuals with affiliations to the New Patriotic Party (NPP) who stormed United Television (UTV) on Saturday, October 7, 2023, have been convicted and fined by the Achimota Magistrate Court. They were charged with unlawful entry and brought before the court on October 16, 2023. The accused pleaded guilty, leading to their conviction and a fine of 200 penalty units each, equivalent to Two Thousand Four Hundred Ghana Cedis (GH 2,400.00), or 3 months imprisonment in default. Additionally, they were ordered to sign a bond for good behavior, with 6 months of imprisonment in default.

On October 7, during UTV’s ‘United Showbiz’ prime-time entertainment show, attackers disrupted the live broadcast and threatened the presenter and guests. These attackers were allegedly led by the NPP’s Klottey Korle Youth Organizer, purportedly acting on the instructions of Ernest Owusu Bempah, a Deputy Director of Communications, and other prominent figures within the ruling party.

In their view, the show had become a platform where the government has consistently been unfairly criticised in an unprofessional manner.

They again alleged that a letter from the NPP to the management of UTV to reform the show was torn apart on-air by A Plus, also a political activist and a regular panellist of the show.

The police subsequently arrested and prosecuted them accordingly.